The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep satisfaction with the level of preparedness by Ogun State ahead of the 2...
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep satisfaction with the level of preparedness by Ogun State ahead of the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to take place from May 16 to 30, 2025.
During an official inspection tour of the facilities, the Director General of the NSC and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Ogun State Government for its remarkable efforts in ensuring the successful hosting of the event.
Olopade, who led a joint delegation of both the Local and Main Organising Committees, emphasized the importance of the inspection, noting that it was not just about aesthetics, but also to address technical concerns, especially regarding athletics events. He revealed that after discussions with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), a consensus was reached to host the throwing events at the MKO Abiola Stadium due to its newly installed Astroturf surface.
“We have been deliberating on the best location for athletics throws, and I’m glad we’ve now settled with AFN to use the MKO Stadium. That decision, considering the surface and structure, is one of the most gratifying outcomes of this inspection,” Olopade stated.
He further praised Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the ongoing transformation of the sports facilities. According to him, the entire athletics programme will now be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, which is now equipped with high-end security features, including cameras on every Public Address System and a 360-degree surveillance setup delivering real-time imagery of all stadium activities.
The inspection team also visited other key venues, including the Abeokuta Golf Course, where Olopade assured of the NSC’s support in providing necessary equipment. He noted that the improvements will leave lasting legacies, particularly for local youth in the area.
“I hope the impact of these upgrades will benefit the underprivileged children living around the golf course,” he added.
As the countdown to the Games continues, most of the designated venues are nearing completion and already wearing a refreshed look. The inspection concluded with a technical meeting involving Federation Secretaries, State Sports Directors, and members of the Local and Main Organising Committees.
The visit also featured the official unveiling of the Festival’s logo, theme song, and mascot. The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a premium and world-class sports festival.
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